I learned more about headings last week than I thought I already knew about headings. Now I get the pleasure of passing all of that new knowledge on to you!
There are two
types of headings—a run-in heading
and a freestanding heading. A run-in heading is one where the
substance of the paragraph starts immediately after the heading. Run-in headings are usually set off by
bold font and/or underlining. A freestanding
heading is one which is on a line by itself, sometimes as part of an
outline in a document.
A run-in heading will always be followed
by a form of punctuation depending on the type of heading. If the heading is a
question, it will end in a question mark. However, in a freestanding heading, use no punctuation unless you need to use a question
mark or an exclamation point because the heading demands it.
As
for capitalization, you are supposed to capitalize all words in the heading over four letters and capitalize all words in the heading under four letters EXCEPT:
a
an
and
as
at
but
by
for
if
in
of
off
on
or
out
nor
the
to
up
Of course, as in all things grammar, there are
exceptions to that rule. If a word on the “don’t capitalize” list begins or ends
the sentence, it should be capitalized. If a word on that list comes after a
dash or a colon, it should be capitalized. Capitalize short prepositions like up, in,
on, and for when they are used with prepositions having four or more
letters.
Rafting Up and Down the
Colorado River
Driving In and Around the
City
New Store Opening On or
About March 1
I have printed this list
of words that should not be capitalized except in the special circumstances and
taped it to my work computer so that it is easier for me to remember. I
honestly think titles look better with each word capitalized, but who am I to
argue with Gregg? If that’s the rule and my attorneys don’t have a problem with
formatting headings “by the book,” then I will adjust. Will you?
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